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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Arroyo, Phillips on His Future as A Red, & More

As an ode to the Reds playing their final home game of the season on Wednesday, I thought the above picture would be a nice, lasting farewell for the long offseason that waits ahead. However, the Reds still have six games on the road to go, so here are some notes and quotes for you all to mull over:

Brandon Phillips on possibly playing his last home game in Cincinnati (The team holds a $12 million option for his services for 2012.):“I couldn’t sleep last night. I didn’t go to sleep until like 5 in the morning. I’m surprised I got some hits today. You never know your future. They could not pick my option up and I could become a free agent. That was an option. It was a sad night for last night. I couldn’t sleep. I remember the way (Aaron)Harang was acting. He was crying and stuff. I wasn’t crying. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a sensitive individual. But the thing is you never know this game. It’s a business.”

When asked if he'd be willing to take a hometown discount Phillips answered: “No bueno. This is my last contract. There’s no homeboy hookup. That ain’t going to work. I want to be paid what I’m worth.”

However, GM Walt Jocketty told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that Phillips WILL indeed be back next season. It's still unclear at this point whether or not the club will opt for the '12 option or a long-term extension.

Let it be known though that Phillips isn't too thrilled with the idea of the team just picking up the option. He told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon the following earlier this month regarding the issue: "If they just pick my option up and don't extend me, I feel like that's a slap in my face. If the team wants you, they will make room. They will show you they want you here, period. They did it for some of the other guys. If they're going to have me for just one year, I feel like they don't see me in the future."

Dusty Baker on Bronson Arroyo: "People were talking about taking him out of the rotation so he didn't break the home run record. I'm glad for him. It's been a tough year for him. He's a man. He competes as hard as any player I've been around. I wouldn't bet against him getting his 200 innings."

Arroyo on his outing: "Those guys are out of it and we're out of it. Sometimes, teams tend to be a little aggressive, and it can have the vibe of a Spring Training game. For the first three or four innings, it had a vibe like that. I was just happy to get through with such a low pitch count in the middle of the game. It seemed like it settled into a normal ballgame. By giving me such a head start, it gave me an opportunity to try and finish this thing off."

The Reds need to win their remaining six games to finish the year with a winning record.

Scott Rolen (shoulder)and Ryan Hanigan (back spasms) will miss the remainder of the season said Baker.

After an off-day on Thursday, Cincy will send right-hander Edinson Volquez (5-6, 5.87 ERA) to the hill on Friday to begin a 3-game series versus the Pirates. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET.